JERUSALEM -- Israeli President Shimon Peres said Friday that residents of Iran should change their ways and join the "enlightened world."

Speaking in an Israel Radio broadcast ahead of Saturday's start of the Iranian holiday Nowruz, Peres said the symbolic start of a new year and spring would mark an ideal time for Iranian residents to make changes to improve international relations, Ynetnews said.

"On the eve of the new year, I appeal to the noble Iranian people on behalf of the ancient Jewish people and urge them to reclaim their worthy place among the nations of the enlightened world," Peres said.

Peres also referred to Iran's controversial uranium enrichment program, saying the funds used for such matters could be better spent elsewhere, Haaretz said.

"There is great unemployment, corruption, a lot of drugs and a general discontent? You can't feed your children enriched uranium, they need a real breakfast," Peres said. "It cannot be that the money is invested in enriched uranium and the children are told to remain a little hungry, a little ignorant."